Wearable digital electronic devices in the form of a wristwatch, wristband, or bangle are capable of providing access to the Internet and sending and receiving phone calls, electronic mail, and messages.

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Based off the renderings, the display appears to offer touch controls. Other smartphone functions are also present, including power, Micro-USB, and a speaker.

Also of note, the patent and accompanying images hint at a bendable screen, something to which Samsung is no stranger. Samsung has demonstrated on multiple occasions (also here) that a flexible display is coming to its products sooner or later.

It is unclear if the Galaxy Gear will be Android-powered or if it will operate using a different, even simpler, OS. One outside possibility is that the device pairs with smartphones of all operating systems via Bluetooth and provides notifications at the wrist.

On the other hand, it makes perfect sense for the ambitious electronics giant to form a watch with Android at its core.

Samsung confirmed plans to release a smartwatch back in March, but didn't disclose availability or hardware details. "We've been preparing the watch product for so long," Lee Young Hee, executive vice president of Samsung's mobile business, said in an interview with Bloomberg. "We are working very hard to get ready for it. We are preparing products for the future, and the watch is definitely one of them."

About the author

Scott Webster has spent the better part of his adult life playing with cell phones and gadgets. When not looking for the latest Android news and rumors, he relaxes with his wife and son. Scott also is the senior editor for AndroidGuys. E-mail Scott.
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